The culture of Rigs & Brunch

Rigs & Brunch
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I’ve only shared this story 2-3 times.

I remember 7 years ago, I went to an overlanding meetup group.

I pulled up my old Hyundai Sonata.

I parked far away, I didn’t want others to see it.

After shyly walking up, I remember sitting at the restaurant, like a sponge.

Amongst all the friendly folk, soaking up all the stories… largely told by @Smritte and @csampson .

I don’t come from a background in wrenching. Heck, 3 weeks prior to this event a neighbor probably told me my sedan’s tires were bald because I wasn’t paying attention.

I love learning, adventure, the outdoors, and being around people who share a love for these things. That’s why Overland People exists – a space we can convene, prepare, and defend.

We’re hosting our first event in Salt Lake City, UT – where we’ve often had 30 people – and I won’t be there. We’re expecting around 30 people, again. I want this to happen in other cities, so other people can find the same thing I found.

We now have this forum, many people here I’ve done 100+ days of trips with all over the country.

My question to you all is:

If you’ve been to a Rigs & Brunch, what did you like most about it that we can continue to do?

I’m thinking through the characteristics we’d like to maintain that we all can give to others if you’ve been a regular…

  1. Welcoming others
    1. (See a new face? Say hi)
  2. Family-friendly nature
    1. (If someone can’t stop themselves from saying the F word in front of an 8 year old child every 5 words, that’s not family friendly)
  3. A space to share stories, learn, see how other people do their builds
  4. A space to show up as we are and that be enough
    1. (If you’ve shown up to an event, in the middle of a significant life event – this sentiment may have visceral resonance)
  5. Good food / cool space
    1. (Sometime we’ll be cooking the food and be outdoors!)

Let’s co-create this space together.

PS. Thank you @Crispy_Visuals for putting the above ad together, it’s running all over SLC on social media right now!

PPS. Thank you @Cassiano for being the first person to host a Rigs & Brunch!

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Utah, Salt Lake City - March 28, 2026
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Amen to all points mentioned and hats off to you Matthew for seeking out this hobby despite humble beginnings. I can identify with you regarding feeling a certain way at events or when attempting to join others in this space in the past. I haven’t always been welcome with a stock Tundra and camper. I’m usually greeted with explanations of how my long wheel base and extra weight won’t see the light of day on certain trails or obstacles some find impassable. I haven’t been able to join a rigs and brunch yet, however I did find the San Gabriel Valley chapter for OverlandBound. We meet every 3rd Thursday at Clearman’s Galley. Since becoming active I’ve always been welcomed, encouraged to camp, fish and hit the trails -wherever they happen to be. So far I’ve been able to keep up and best of all, supported by the group when surprises happened.

I feel very fortunate to have found this group and look forward to more adventures while defending this hobby and space that has become so important to me.

Rigs an brunch are definitely in my future. UT or elsewhere. I’ll see you there someday.

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We’ll be waiting for you. See you in the near future!

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4

P

Some people will always tell you why your vehicle can’t go here or do that. I was taught how to off-road in a 1974 Ford LTD 4-door car, by my mom. We took that car to the old mines that my grandfather worked in southern Arizona. These were old roads that most people would put in 4-lo. I have seen videos of some guy off roading Moab in a Crown Victoria with his dog walking behind.

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I love this and thanks to Matthew for making it all happen. For me personally, my preference would be to meet outside at coffee shops, where it’s even more casual than sitting in a restaurant. In Park City for example, Cupla Coffee has plenty of outdoor seating, as does Urban Sailor. I just find it to be a better setting to sit around and talk to everyone and not just the ones next to or across a table from you. But that’s just me. Matthew, this is your creation and you’ve done an amazing job!

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Appreciate that @UbiqueOverland ! We actually had our first meeting at Cupla Coffee. Part of the dynamics of this is reserving space. I value the experience, and certainty around it (for these types of meetups, actual multi-day trips have a lot of uncertainty!) – many restaurants when I’ve hosted this have a fixed space for 20-30 people (CO, UT, AZ, currently in TX).

Will keep Urban Sailor in mind, how have I not been there… been in Park City for quite a while and thought I visited all the spots! Appreciate the commentary.

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You are currently in Texas! I didn’t realize you do this in multiple states. That’s pretty cool. I hear you about needing enough space for everybody. I think even one night around a campfire, followed by camping that night would be fun for everyone. I’m sure the logistics of getting everyone on board is the challenge. But it seems like you have a good core group. Spring has come early this year, so Overlanding should get going here pretty soon. I’m contemplating going to the expo in Flagstaff in late May.

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Yes!

We’ve got folks on this forum across CO, UT, MT and CA! And soon, TX. :wink:

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I knew that, but I didn’t realize you meet in each of those states. Very cool. By the way, if anyone wants a Gazelle Hub Tents – Gazelle Tents I get a pro deal. I just picked up the T4 Overland Edition for $335 including shipping and tax. The current sale price on Gazelle’s website is $470. I’d be happy to order one for anyone who needs one but it might have to be delivered to me. It’s an awesome quick deploy 4-person tent that you can stand up in. Cheers!

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I love the camaraderie, the sharing of knowledge, the laughs and the shared dreams of adventures! Let’s keep on keepin’ on!

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